Quick Coach: Groundhog ball

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Dan Cottrell

Dan is a practising RFU Level 3 coach and coach educator. He coaches with the Bristol Bears DPP programme, is head coach of Bristol Schools U18s and the Rugby Performance coach for Bristol Grammar School.

He was head coach of Swansea Schools U15, Young Ospreys Academy, assistant coach with the Wales Women's Team for the 2010 World Cup, director of rugby for Cranleigh School, Surrey. He played for Bath, Bristol, Esher and Clifton, South West division, Gloucestershire and Surrey.

Editor's Picks

Wicked warm-ups

Being authentic, player relationships and 'why?'

Challenging players of differing abilities

Behind the scenes with: England U18s

Saracens Academy: Behind the scenes with the Wolfpack

Footwork & Evasion

Ball control out of contact

This practice develops players’ handling skills by forcing them to manipulate the ball with one hand in and around the contact area.

Spin out of contact

Encourage the ball carrier to spin just before the tackle – the footwork needs experimenting with because it can unbalance players.

Backs blast

Improve backs’ fitness while working on their running lines and drift defence. They will make every effort to break the line each time.

Curves and jumps

Use this activity to improve players’ footwork as they run forward, so they beat opposition players, or at least create a chance for a good ...

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Intense defence

As a defence tires, the attack should become more successful. But if a defence starts well, it can find sources of energy to make sure they ...

'T' for tackling

Use this full session to build up the right footwork to make strong tackles, both on an individual basis and within a team context.

Turnover: One, two - attack!

Builds on the tactic of clearing the ball from the danger area with two passes. The final game adds the key factor of not knowing when the ...

3 ways to feed the wingers

Sometimes, your wide players want the ball but it seems to get trapped with the centres. RCW editor Dan Cottrell explains three of the ...

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Rugby Coach Weekly offers proven and easy to use rugby drills, coaching sessions, practice plans, small-sided games, warm-ups, training tips and advice.

We've been at the cutting edge of rugby coaching since we launched in 2005, creating resources for the grassroots youth coach, following best practice from around the world and insights from the professional game.